Advani celebrates his 81st birthday

New Delhi, Nov 8 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani on Saturday celebrated his 81st birthday.

In an attempt to bring Advani closer to the people ahead of the assembly and general elections, BJP activists are launching a 700 page and 350 images interactive website-'lkadvani.in' to mark his birthday.

The BJP party members thronged his house with bouquets and sweets to wish him on his birthday.

Advani, who spent the day with his family, said that he was overwhelmed by the goodwishes of the people.

"I take the love and affection that is being showered upon me today as a blessing," said Advani.

"I also understand that it is a reminder of my responsibilities and I pray to god to give me strength to live up to your expectations," added Advani.

The BJP has named Advani as their prime ministerial candidate for the general elections due in early 2009.

Advani, born on November 8, 1927 in Karachi, has held many important positions both in the BJP and in the Central Government.

He emerged as the face of the party after former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, stepped back due to his poor health.

Advani was Deputy Prime Minister in Vajpayee's government, which was swept out of power in 2004.

The BJP has struggled for direction since its 2004 defeat and its second rung leaders failed to forge unity after Advani stepped down as party president in 2005.

But the party is hoping to regain power after the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and its communist allies had a face-off over the Indo-US nuclear deal. (ANI)